Abstract

Purpose: To add to the scientific evidence about establishing optimal online class size where active class engagement and course satisfaction are attained for faculty and students alike Methods: Data were collected from 2007 through 2010 using end of course student evaluations and Blackboard participation statistics. Simple linear regression, independent samples t-Test, and ANOVAS were used to test research questions. Results: As class size increases, student participation in discussion forums increases but faculty participation decreases. Student satisfaction increases as class size decreases. Students perceive higher satisfaction and greater critical thinking skills when taught by full-time faculty. Conclusion: Class size impacts faculty time, engagement in the course, and punctuality with returning assignments as well as student satisfaction with the instructor. Students perceive higher course value and greater critical thinking skills when courses are taught by full-time faculty instead of adjunct faculty.

Author Details

Tumulty, Gail, RN, PhD, CNAA; Oriol, Mary D., DrPH, RN

Sigma Membership

Unknown

Type

Presentation

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

N/A

Research Approach

N/A

Keywords:

Quality, Online learning, global society

Conference Name

23rd International Nursing Research Congress

Conference Host

Sigma Theta Tau International

Conference Location

Brisbane, Australia

Conference Year

2012

Rights Holder

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All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.

Acquisition

Proxy-submission

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The Quality of Student Learning in an Online International Graduate Nursing Program

Brisbane, Australia

Purpose: To add to the scientific evidence about establishing optimal online class size where active class engagement and course satisfaction are attained for faculty and students alike Methods: Data were collected from 2007 through 2010 using end of course student evaluations and Blackboard participation statistics. Simple linear regression, independent samples t-Test, and ANOVAS were used to test research questions. Results: As class size increases, student participation in discussion forums increases but faculty participation decreases. Student satisfaction increases as class size decreases. Students perceive higher satisfaction and greater critical thinking skills when taught by full-time faculty. Conclusion: Class size impacts faculty time, engagement in the course, and punctuality with returning assignments as well as student satisfaction with the instructor. Students perceive higher course value and greater critical thinking skills when courses are taught by full-time faculty instead of adjunct faculty.